Search...

SUN ‘n FUN 2026 Lakeland: One of the Largest Aviation Events in the U.S.

Thu, Apr 16, 2026

SUN ‘n FUN 2026 Lakeland: One of the Largest Aviation Events in the U.S.

SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo 2026 returns to Lakeland Linder International Airport as one of the premier aviation gatherings in North America, attracting pilots, operators, OEMs and aviation enthusiasts from across the globe.

Held annually in Lakeland, the event combines a major airshow with a large-scale exhibition featuring aircraft displays, training forums and industry showcases. It is widely recognised as the second-largest aviation event in the United States, behind Oshkosh.

For business aviation professionals, SUN ‘n FUN offers valuable networking opportunities alongside exposure to new aircraft, avionics, training providers and emerging technologies. The event also features safety seminars and educational sessions that support both pilots and maintenance personnel.

The airshow itself is a major highlight, with daily flying displays ranging from modern jets to vintage warbirds, as well as night shows featuring aerobatics and fireworks. On the ground, hundreds of exhibitors present everything from aircraft sales to operational services.

In 2026, strong attendance is expected once again, reinforcing the event’s role as a key platform for industry engagement, recruitment and product visibility across multiple aviation sectors, including BizAv.

Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Find BizAv Opportunities

Post BizAv Opportunities

Read More

FlightSafety Receives FAA Approval for Virtual Preflight Inspection Training Across Multiple BizJet Platforms

FlightSafety International has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for its Virtual Aircraft Preflight Inspection programme with integrated evaluation capability across several major business jet platforms. The approved programme allows pilots to conduct immersive 3D preflight inspections before transitioning directly into simulator evaluation sessions. Aircraft included in the rollout feature the Embraer EMB-550, Gulfstream G500, Gulfstream G600 and Cessna Citation Latitude. The technology is designed to enhance procedural familiarity, improve training efficiency and support more realistic preparation before simulator events. By combining virtual inspection and evaluation into a single workflow, operators and training providers can streamline pilot development while reinforcing operational discipline. The approval highlights the growing role of immersive digital training technologies in modern business aviation. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Airbus Sees India Emerging as a Major Growth Market for the ACJ TwoTwenty

Airbus Corporate Jets is positioning India as a major growth market for the ACJ TwoTwenty, citing rising demand for premium long range business aviation across South Asia. The manufacturer views India as the strongest business jet market in the region, driven by expanding wealth, increasing corporate travel requirements and growing interest in ultra large cabin aircraft. The ACJ TwoTwenty is designed to bridge the gap between traditional business jets and airline derived corporate aircraft, offering a spacious cabin and long range capability aimed at high net worth and corporate clients. India’s business aviation sector has seen steady growth in recent years as infrastructure expands and more companies seek flexible travel solutions. Airbus is aiming to capitalise on this momentum by increasing visibility and engagement within the market. The move highlights growing competition among OEMs as South Asia emerges as an increasingly important region for future business aviation growth. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Piaggio P.180 Avanti Continues to Stand Out as One of Business Aviation’s Most Unique Aircraft

The Piaggio P.180 Avanti remains one of the most distinctive aircraft in business aviation, combining turboprop efficiency with jet like performance and speed. Known for its unconventional design, the Avanti features forward wings, rear mounted pusher propellers and a sleek aerodynamic profile that allows it to cruise significantly faster than many traditional turboprops. The aircraft also offers a spacious stand up cabin, giving passengers a more jet like travel experience while maintaining lower operating costs. Its ability to operate efficiently on shorter routes has made it attractive for corporate operators, charter missions and specialised operations where performance and economy are both important. Despite being a niche platform, the P.180 continues to maintain a loyal following within aviation due to its unique blend of speed, efficiency and unmistakable design. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Gulfstream Expands Investment in Aviation Workforce Development to Address Industry Shortages

Gulfstream Aerospace is continuing to expand its investment in workforce development initiatives aimed at strengthening the long term talent pipeline across business aviation. The company’s multimillion dollar programmes focus on supporting future pilots, maintenance technicians and aerospace specialists through training partnerships, education initiatives and career development opportunities. The effort comes as the industry faces ongoing shortages in skilled aviation professionals across multiple sectors. Workforce development is becoming a growing priority throughout business aviation as operators, manufacturers and MRO providers compete for qualified talent. Expanding access to training and career pathways is seen as critical to sustaining future industry growth and operational capability. Gulfstream’s continued investment reflects broader recognition that addressing talent shortages will require long term commitment and collaboration across the aviation ecosystem. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Aero Friedrichshafen 2026 Sees Largest Business Aviation Presence to Date

AERO Friedrichshafen recorded its largest business aviation presence yet in 2026, highlighting continued growth across the European BizAv market. The event showcased increasing momentum in sectors including turboprops, light jets and owner flown aviation, with manufacturers and operators using the platform to highlight new aircraft, technology and operational services. Growing participation from business aviation companies reflects rising regional demand and renewed investment interest across Europe. Light aircraft and owner operated platforms continue gaining attention as operators seek flexible and cost efficient solutions for regional connectivity and private travel. The expanding show presence also signals broader confidence in the European business aviation sector despite ongoing regulatory and infrastructure pressures. Aero Friedrichshafen’s continued growth reinforces its position as an increasingly important platform within the global business aviation industry. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Sheltair Expands Hangar Capacity in Florida to Support Rising Business Aviation Demand

Sheltair is expanding hangar infrastructure at North Florida Gulf Airport as business aviation activity continues to grow across the region. The additional hangar capacity is designed to support increasing transient aircraft demand and provide greater flexibility for operators seeking parking, maintenance access and weather protected storage. Growth in traffic to secondary Florida airports has accelerated as operators look to avoid congestion at larger hubs while maintaining efficient regional access. Expanded infrastructure also strengthens the airport’s ability to support seasonal traffic surges, charter activity and corporate aviation operations. The development reflects a broader industry trend where FBOs and airport operators are investing heavily in hangar and ramp expansion to keep pace with sustained growth in business aviation demand. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.